The Penitente Moradas of Abiquiú

"The Penitente Moradas of Abiquiú" by Richard E. Ahlborn is a historical study about the meeting houses and spiritual practices of the Penitente brotherhood in Abiquiú, New Mexico. Showing the deep cultural ties to Hispanic Catholicism, especially during Holy Week, the book looks at the Penitente community’s traditions. It gives detailed information about the special designs and important objects inside two different moradas, connecting them to the cultural background of Spanish-Americans in the area. The book also looks at how the Penitente brotherhood is set up, their acts of penance, and important events like the "tinieblas," which represents the suffering of Christ. Through pictures and descriptions from the past, the story points out how important these meeting houses are as records of Hispanic traditions and the setup of their society, giving an understanding of how these practices have stayed the same and changed over time, even when their cultural identity has been challenged.